Hurricane & Tropical Storm
Tropical storms and hurricanes can develop quickly and bring damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge. The time to prepare is before a storm is on the map — here's how to protect your home, your household, and your peace of mind, before, during, and after.
Tools you can rely on
Before, during, and after a storm, these resources put your policy and our team within reach.
Member Portal
View your policy, access documents, update your contact information, and confirm your coverage any time.
Open Member Portaltrueins.com
Your main resource for policy information, claims reporting, and how to reach our team.
Visit trueins.comKnow your zone and the warnings
Storm surge — the wall of seawater a storm pushes ashore — is the greatest threat to life in a hurricane. Find out whether you're in an evacuation or surge zone through your local emergency management office before a storm forms.
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane conditions are possible within about 48 hours. Review your plan and get ready.
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane conditions are expected within about 36 hours. Finish preparations and follow official instructions.
Build your kit and go-bag
Power and water can be out for days, and roads may be impassable. Stock up now, and keep a grab-and-go bag ready in case you have to evacuate.
Water & food
One gallon per person per day for at least three days, plus non-perishable food and a can opener.
Medications & first aid
A supply of prescriptions plus a stocked first aid kit.
Light & power
Flashlights, extra batteries, backup phone chargers, and a NOAA weather radio.
Documents
Copies of IDs and insurance in a waterproof bag, with digital backups in the Member Portal.
Cash & supplies
Some cash, hygiene items, and a fire extinguisher — ATMs and cards may not work.
Family & pets
Supplies for children, seniors, and pets, plus a paper list of emergency contacts.
Strengthen your home
Wind and water find the weak points first — and the garage door is often a home's most vulnerable spot.
- Cover windows with permanent storm shutters, or 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood cut to fit.
- Reinforce your garage door so it can stand up to high winds.
- Trim trees and remove loose branches that could become projectiles.
- Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and anything wind can move.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so water can drain.
- Seal gaps and openings in outside walls.
- Photograph or video your home and belongings to document their condition.
- Fill your vehicles with fuel and refill prescriptions before the storm.
Make a plan for your household
- Know your evacuation route and a safe place to go — plus a backup.
- Pick an out-of-town meeting spot and an out-of-state contact everyone can reach.
- Write emergency contacts on paper; the internet may be down.
- Plan how you'll care for and transport your pets.
- Confirm your contact info is current in the Member Portal so we can reach you.
- Review your policy so your coverage matches your needs.
Evacuation orders save lives
If officials tell you to leave, go — and leave early to avoid flooded or blocked roads. If you're not ordered to evacuate, plan to shelter in a small interior room on the lowest safe level, away from windows.
During the storm
- Stay indoors, away from windows and exterior doors.
- Shelter in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on a low — but not flood-prone — level.
- Use flashlights, not candles, for light.
- Keep listening to local officials and weather updates.
- Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting in case the power goes out.
- Don't be fooled by the calm of the eye — the storm isn't over until officials say so.
Turn around, don't drown
Never drive or walk through flooded roads — water can be deeper and faster than it looks, and just a foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Staying safe afterward
- Don't return home until officials say it's safe.
- Stay out of floodwater — it can hide debris, downed lines, and contamination.
- Treat every downed power line as live; stay back and report it.
- Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.
- Throw out food that touched floodwater or sat without power, and follow any boil-water notices.
- Document all damage with photos or video before cleanup, and keep receipts.
A note on flood coverage
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster — and flood damage usually isn't covered by a standard property policy. It typically requires separate flood insurance, which often has a waiting period before it takes effect. If you're not sure what your policy covers, log in to the Member Portal to review it, or reach out and we'll walk you through your options.
Filing a claim
Your safety always comes first. When you're able, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage — like covering broken windows or tarping a damaged roof. Document all damage with photos or video before making temporary repairs, and keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
Have your policy information available when reporting a claim whenever possible. Our claims team is available 24/7.
Quick questions
What's the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning?
A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within about 48 hours — review your plan and get ready. A warning means conditions are expected within about 36 hours — finish preparations and follow official instructions.
Should I evacuate or stay home?
Follow your local officials. If they issue an evacuation order, leave early. If they don't, shelter in a small interior room away from windows on the lowest safe level.
Is flood damage covered?
Flood damage generally isn't covered by a standard property policy and usually needs separate flood insurance with its own waiting period. Review your coverage in the Member Portal or contact us with questions.
How much water should I store?
At least one gallon per person per day for three or more days, plus non-perishable food that needs no cooking.
While we all hope for a quiet season, preparation is key. TRUE Property Insurance is closely monitoring conditions and stands ready to support you before, during, and after the storm. We're here to help.
General preparedness guidance adapted from Ready.gov, FEMA, NOAA/National Weather Service, the CDC, and the American Red Cross. For your specific coverage, review your policy or contact TRUE.